Flower

Chapter - 14

(ICARUS'S POV)

Returning home after ten years sure feels good, but nothing compares to the feeling of seeing the looks on the face of these people. A lot of these people wished I was dead.

I couldn't hold in the smirk as I looked at the flabbergasted looks on these faces and said, “I thought we were celebrating over here. Why is everyone quiet like it's someone's funeral?”

Father welcomed me back with open arms. Staying away from my family for ten years was a tough journey. I sipped my wine as my eyes gazed over all the Nobles. A lot of them seemed to be deep in thought.

They should be, carnage will unfold before them soon. I touched the scar on my face, the memory of the day I learned the hard truth of being the one on the line of throne.

I decided to forget about the bitter memories and enjoy the celebration. When my father asked me to pick a Lady to dance with, I looked over all of them. Some looked enthusiastic, some seemed shy, but there was one who seemed to be disinterested. Her blue gown complimented her pale skin, her eyes were casted down. I wanted to see her up close and decided to ask her to dance.

Her eyes darted up somewhere else, as if she was afraid of something, but she accepted nonetheless.

As we danced, I carefully observed her features, she is breathtaking to say the least. Her rosy cheeks and luscious lips could make any man's heart sway. But what got to me were her eyes, those icy blue eyes lacked emotions. Her gentle smile seemed almost forced as if she's hiding a dangerous storm behind that smile. What could be bothering such a beautiful lady?

She ran off to the balcony after our dance. I attended a few more dances and excused myself, heading for the balcony she went into.

Her radiance seemed to be enhanced by the subtle moonlight reflecting on her skin as I looked at her mesmerised. I decided to take a seat opposite her. The mysterious young Lady seemed to have captivated me. I want to explore her and find out the depths of mysteries she's hiding.

I jokingly asked if I was a bad dance partner to lighten the mood. She politely denies, her gentle demeanour is a stark contrast to her almost lifeless eyes.

Her intriguing presence urges me to get to know her further. Lily is certainly a suitable name for a delicate lady like her. But hearing the name of her household makes me go stiff, the House of Atticus is known for their cruel and unforgiving nature. Moreover, as far as I remember, the deceased Lord only had a son named Caius, who became the Lord after his Father's passing.

I blurted out without thinking, “That's because she's not a daughter of the household, but the Lady,” I noticed Lily freezing instantly. Is he the reason why she was looking around worriedly?

He gripped her hand and forced her to stand up, “Your Highness, Raya is my wife,” the way he held her didn't seem affectionate.

“It'd be better for you to not indulge with married women,” his words made my blood boil, barely holding myself back from punching him.

“We shall take our leave now,” the way he gripped her wrist would surely leave a bruise, no loving man would hold his wife like that.

Currently I'm sitting in my office, wondering about Lily's safety. I call in my trusted guard.

“Your Highness, I apologise for keeping you waiting,” Damian bows respectfully.

“You don't have to do that,” I roll my eyes and ask him, “What do you know about the House of Atticus?”

“I certainly haven't heard anything good about them. They have cruel ways of punishing people. They're the only House to survive the two rebellions. Their people were so afraid, no one from their domain dared to join the rebellion,” Damian answers calmly.

“What do you know about the Lords of Atticus?” I ask him curiously as I rest my elbows on the table.

“None of them have a good reputation. The mystery around the House of Atticus has made the emperors of the past worry about them,” he takes a deep breath, “Why are you asking about them, your Highness?”

“I'm simply curious. What do you think of the current Lord?” I look up at him questioningly.

“Your Highness, I've been out of the country with you for the past ten years. I unfortunately have no reports on the current Lord. I would gladly investigate him if you wish,” he said in a determined tone.

“Go ahead and submit me the report as soon as you can,” I command him and he bows, “As you wish,” he quietly leaves after bowing. Damien never changes despite me telling him that there's no reason for him to be so formal with me after staying beside me for so long.

I hear a knock on the door of my office, “Come in,” Father's aide comes in, “Your Highness, His Majesty has summoned you.”

“Very well,” I get up from my seat and head to my Father's chambers.

I see father calmly sipping wine as I enter his study, “Greetings, Father. You seem to be having a good time.”

Father smiles up at me, “How can I not be happy when my son has finally returned home?” He urges me to sit down beside him. I sit down and he gives me an once over, “You have grown up so much. It's almost time for you to take over the throne.”

“I'd gladly relieve you from the burden of ruling for so long,” he looks up at me admiringly, “You're a worthy heir of ruling Terranova. But my son, you need a worthy Empress to rule beside you. Did you like any of the young ladies today?”

“Someone has caught my eye, but I'd like some time to make my decision,” I say politely. Father wouldn't react well to me taking a liking to the Lady of Atticus.

Father smiles, “I hope you find your perfect match, Son. Take your time,” he pats my head just as he used to, making me smile.

“You should go to bed now, you must be exhausted after the long journey here,” father says kindly and I get up to leave.

Before I could leave the study, he says in a serious voice,

“We have some important matters to discuss tomorrow…”

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